Selective Asia

Selective Asia Selective Asia is a bespoke travel specialist based in Brighton, UK.

Selective Asia offers tailor-made holidays and privately guided adventures across Asia for the independently minded, discerning traveller seeking a unique experience, not just a run-of-the-mill holiday. Our range of unique, tailor-made holidays and privately guided adventures will take you to Vietnam, Borneo, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Japan. We are not a

n automated online business – your calls and website enquiries are dealt with by our experienced UK-based travel consultants who have a thorough knowledge of the countries they specialise in. All have travelled extensively in the region, and continue to do so on a regular basis, to bring you the very best each country has to offer: exciting, unique and interesting experiences, hotels that have been personally inspected, and carefully selected local guides who will show you Asia through their eyes. Our passion for Asia is reflected in the holidays we offer, where the emphasis is on quality at a competitive price.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet. Once again, these beautiful dest...
27/08/2026

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the devastating flooding in Nepal and Tibet. Once again, these beautiful destinations, and their welcoming communities, are facing a devastating disaster.

We want to share our deep appreciation for these places and their people, and express our support for everyone affected.

If you’d like to help, please consider donating through a trusted organisation supporting those on the ground.

The warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean embrace Sri Lanka on all sides, creating countless opportunities for beach...
20/08/2026

The warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean embrace Sri Lanka on all sides, creating countless opportunities for beach stays. But with so much choice comes the inevitable question: where to go, and, perhaps more importantly, when?

We’ve created this Ultimate Beach Guide to give you a better idea of what to expect from each of Sri Lanka’s coastal stretches. Today, we’re heading to the East Coast.

Save this post for your future travels, and let us know your favourite Sri Lankan beach in the comments!

A much-needed bit of R&R at the end of a trip quite often, if not always, involves a few blissful days by the sea. And w...
20/08/2026

A much-needed bit of R&R at the end of a trip quite often, if not always, involves a few blissful days by the sea. And we love this downtime just as much as we do exploring.

Cambodia has plenty of hidden (and better-known) corners where you can recharge, from the lush greenery of the Cardamom Mountains to the pristine shores of the Koh Rong archipelago. But if, like us, you love waking up to the sound of the ocean, here are three beach stays we’d recommend any day:

Song Saa, Koh Rong archipelago — for an uber-luxurious yet down-to-earth, Maldives-style beach escape.

Knai Bang Chatt, Kep — for timeless Art Deco style and seaside living with a distinctly French flair.

The Royal Sands, Koh Rong — for the perfect balance of laid-back beach life and adventure right on your doorstep.

Song Saa resort, the first of its kind in Cambodia, is the epitome of quiet luxury. Exclusive, thoughtful, and wonderful...
14/08/2026

Song Saa resort, the first of its kind in Cambodia, is the epitome of quiet luxury. Exclusive, thoughtful, and wonderfully unpretentious. Hidden on a private island in the untouched Koh Rong archipelago, its setting, with overwater villas, pristine beaches and incredible sea views, could easily be mistaken for the Maldives. But Cambodia is at the very heart of the resort.

Song Saa’s dedication to sustainability is truly admirable. Local natural materials, as well as recycled wood from disused vessels bought from their owners, are used throughout the private villas, which are finished to the highest of standards. There are also a number of sustainability projects supported and funded by the resort, from local medical care, waste management and education to marine conservation and restoration.

Song Saa seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern chic, offering guests impeccable service, quiet and private accommodation, and plenty of spaces dedicated to relaxation. All while catering to every wish, including a movie night in your own villa, with freshly made popcorn, of course!

If you’re after a blissful beach stay with a wow factor, look no further. Would you stay at Song Saa?

Asia is one of those places where you can plan a trip around food and never run out of reasons to keep eating.Japan for ...
09/08/2026

Asia is one of those places where you can plan a trip around food and never run out of reasons to keep eating.

Japan for ramen, sushi and seasonal kaiseki; Vietnam for street-side phở, bánh mì and fresh seafood; Thailand for fiery curries, som tam and endless market stalls. Each has a completely different food culture, and each is reason enough to arrive hungry.

Which destination would you go to first?

We’re beyond thrilled to be shortlisted for Specialist Tour Operator of the Year in the Inspire Global Tourism Awards 20...
30/07/2026

We’re beyond thrilled to be shortlisted for Specialist Tour Operator of the Year in the Inspire Global Tourism Awards 2026. Aaaand we’ve also been nominated for Favourite Tour Operator in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2026, our third nomination this year! What a fantastic recognition of our team’s work, especially as Selective Asia officially turns 20🥳

As always, we couldn’t have done it without you, our travellers, globetrotters, explorers, adventurers, and Asia enthusiasts. We’ve been creating exciting journeys, discovering Asia together, and working to make travel more sustainable, responsible, and giving. Some might say we make quite a good team😎

If you’ve enjoyed travelling with us so far, we’d be incredibly grateful for your vote. The link is in our bio. Winning one of these awards would be the ultimate 20th birthday present!

Here’s to more incredible journeys, and better travel🥂

Island hopping in Indonesia isn't just about swapping one beach for another. It's about discovering how dramatically one...
27/07/2026

Island hopping in Indonesia isn't just about swapping one beach for another. It's about discovering how dramatically one island can differ from the next.

Java's ancient temples and volcanic landscapes, Sumatra's rainforests and orangutans, Bali's artistic traditions, Flores' rugged coastline, and the extraordinary wildlife of Komodo National Park all tell a different story. Add hundreds of distinct ethnic groups, languages, cuisines, and customs, and no two stops on your journey ever feel quite the same.

In a country of more than 17,000 islands, choosing just one has never made much sense.

In many parts of South India and Sri Lanka, traditional meals are served on banana leaves rather than plates, particular...
17/07/2026

In many parts of South India and Sri Lanka, traditional meals are served on banana leaves rather than plates, particularly during festivals, weddings, and family celebrations. The arrangement of the food isn't random: salt, pickles, sweets, vegetables, curries, and rice are all placed in their customary spots, with regional variations.

The leaf itself is part of the etiquette, too. In some communities, folding it towards you after the meal traditionally signifies satisfaction and gratitude, while folding it away is reserved for more solemn occasions, such as funeral feasts. Customs vary from region to region, but it's one of those small cultural details that's fascinating to observe.

When people think of Japan, beaches rarely come to mind. But head south to Okinawa and you'll discover a completely diff...
09/07/2026

When people think of Japan, beaches rarely come to mind. But head south to Okinawa and you'll discover a completely different side of the country.

Turquoise waters, coral reefs, white-sand beaches, and a subtropical climate make the archipelago feel a world away from the neon lights of Tokyo and the temples of Kyoto. Add excellent snorkelling and diving, a fascinating Ryukyu heritage, and some wonderfully fresh local cuisine, and you've got one of Japan's most rewarding coastal escapes, and a great addition to your itinerary.

Have you ever considered Japan for a beach holiday?

As another heatwave rolls in, we’re all dreaming of those lazy beach days. Swaying in a hammock beneath a palm tree, wat...
08/07/2026

As another heatwave rolls in, we’re all dreaming of those lazy beach days. Swaying in a hammock beneath a palm tree, watching the sparkling waves roll in, and sipping on fresh coconut water. Sounds idyllic, but not always achievable when the beach is packed with fellow dreamers.

Luckily, we’re rather fond of unfollowing the herd. So here are a handful of our favourite beaches beyond Asia’s best-known hotspots, where you can enjoy all of the above, with a little more space to yourself➡️



Tangalle, Sri Lanka

A quieter corner of the south coast, with palm-fringed beaches, rocky coves, and plenty of space to unwind away from the crowds.

Koh Lipe, Thailand

A tiny island in Tarutao National Marine Park, surrounded by turquoise waters, coral reefs, and some of Thailand’s best snorkelling.

Phan Thiet, Vietnam

Beyond Mui Ne’s famous dunes, discover a slower side of Vietnam’s coast, with fishing villages, seafood markets, and long sandy beaches stretching along the South China Sea.

Beaches of Flores, Indonesia

From the pink sands of Komodo to the untouched Koka Beach, Flores offers some of Indonesia’s most spectacular shores.

Koh Russey, Cambodia

A peaceful island escape just off Cambodia’s coast, with clear waters, tropical forest, and a slower pace of life.

Bako National Park, Malaysian Borneo

A beach day with a difference: think rainforest trails, dramatic cliffs, wildlife encounters, and secluded coves.

Yaeyama Islands, Okinawa, Japan

Japan’s tropical side, where coral reefs meet traditional Ryukyu culture.

Address

Citibase Building, 95 Ditchling Road
Brighton
BN14ST

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Selective Asia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Selective Asia:

Shortcuts

Share

Category